Stay Vigilant Whilst Vaccine Arrives
Death rate continues to rise
Care providers today called for continued vigilance as they welcomed the news that the first people are being vaccinated against Covid-19.
The Independent Care Group (ICG) said today marked a vital step forward in the protection of older and vulnerable people looked after by social care.
But it also warned that the country had to stay on high alert after new figures showed another increase in Covid-19 deaths in care and nursing homes.
ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “Today is a great day as we witness the first people getting the vaccine.
“Credit to the Government, it is wonderful that people in the vulnerable category are getting the injections first – they cannot happen quickly enough, and we look forward to the moment where everyone we care for and everyone who works in social care and for the NHS has been protected.
“In the meantime, however, we have to remain on high alert because Covid-19 hasn’t gone away and sadly people are still being taken from us.”
Today’s figures show that 571 people died from Covid-19 in care and nursing homes in the week up to 27th November – up from 467 the previous week and 425 the week before that. Some 17,889 people died from Covid19 in care and nursing homes between 28th December and 27th November.
Mr Padgham added: “Today is a milestone day but these figures show that we aren’t out of the woods yet.”
